The Vexillological Association of the State of Texas hosted NAVA 42, the 42nd annual meeting of the North American Vexillological Association, in Austin, Texas from 10-12 October 2008. The meeting was also the first vexillological conference in Texas sponsored by the Association, or VAST 1.

It was highly appropriate that vexillologists met in the Lone Star State's capital in the year that marked the 75th anniversary of the 1933 Texas Flag Act, which officially re-established the Flag of the Republic as the State Flag of Texas.

The convention was held in the historic Texas State Capitol. NAVA 42 began with a Friday afternoon reception of the rooftop of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association building, which provided guests with a breath-taking view of the Capitol building itself. The reception was followed by an evening tour of the Capitol building which included a peek at the original San Jacinto battle flag that hangs in the Hall of the House of Representatives.

Saturday's proceedings began with opening ceremonies and presentations in the Capitol Auditorium. The highlight was a visit from Christopher LaPlante of the State Archives, who displayed the original Peter Krag artwork for the Lone Star Flag and the 1933 flag act itself.

After lunch, attendees visited the Center for American History at The University of Texas. The Center opened its collections to NAVA members, who, as always, were able to provide expert advice and knowledge about several collection items with incomplete or unknown identification or provenance. On the way back to the Capitol, attendees stopped at the Austin History Center to see the original 1919 Austin City Flag on display in the Mayor's Room.

Back at the Capitol, members heard a special lecture from Dr. Peter Keim, in which he discussed his book, A Grand Old Flag, and his theory of why the stars and stripes were selected in the original design of the U.S. flag. He also shared two rare and important flags from his personal collection.

The keynote dinner was held later that night after a group photo in the Capitol Extension rotunda, which displays the reverse of the State Seal of Texas. Held in the Lieutenant Governor's Reception Room, the dinner was sponsored by State Senator (and NAVA member) Leticia Van de Putte. The keynote address was given by Dr. Robert T. Maberry, Jr., director of the Historical Flags of Texas conservation project, who discussed the singular history of Texas flags and their deep meaning for Texans.

After the keynote address, Vice President Hugh Brady and Secretary-Treasurer Charles (Kin) Spain presented Dr. Maberry with the inaugural William Wharton award for his outstanding contribution to vexillology in Texas by his seminal work, the book Texas Flags. (Dr. Maberry graciously signed copies of his book after dinner.)

Spain also presented guest of honor Michel Lupant, FIAV President, and Dr. Whitney Smith with certificates signed by the Governor declaring them to be Honorary Texans.

On Sunday, NAVA held its business meeting, at which Brady was elected as NAVA's new president. Members heard more presentations and the auction were held before Annie Platoff was awarded the Captain William Driver Award for her presentation on Russian regional flags.

NAVA 42 was notable for its many guests from various parts of the country and world. It was the first meeting not held in conjunction with an International Congress of Vexillology that hosted the entire FIAV board. And the meeting also hosted Sanjay Rao, president of the Indian Vexillological Association.

• AWARD: The William Wharton Award.
• FLAG: The NAVA 42/VAST 1 Flag.
• PHOTOS: An online photo album at the NAVA website.
• PHOTOS: An online photo album by Al Cavalari, of the Flag Guys.

NAVA 42 Austin Committee

Charles A. Spain, Jr., Chairman

James T. Liston, Co-Chairman

H.P. (Pete) Van de Putte, Co-Chairman

Harry W. Oswald (1927-2008), Co-Chairman

Hugh L. Brady, Secretary

Convention Officials

Peter A. Ansoff, President of NAVA

Charles A. Spain, Jr., Chairman

James T. Liston, Co-Chairman

H.P. (Pete) Van de Putte, Co-Chairman

Harry W. Oswald (1927-2008), Co-Chairman

Gustavo Tracchia, Program Chairman

Hugh L. Brady, Secretary